Importance of Maintaining Battery Backup Systems

Come to think of it, can you imagine an airport without electricity, a shopping mall without lights, or hospitals without functioning technology? Just the thought of it is disastrous in it itself. Moreover, this just shows how reliant we are on electric power and how we depend on them on a day-to-day basis. Big and important establishments depend on electricity every day, and when that electricity goes out, it comes to the battery backup systems.

What are battery backup systems?

Along with battery backup systems come uninterrupted power supplies and a string of batteries. Technically, they are what we turn on when everything is down. But, nevertheless, this doesn’t mean that they are not susceptible to corrosion, deterioration, internal short circuits, sulphation, dry-out, and seal failures.

Safe to say, they are our second line of defense when an outage occurs. Naturally, when you keep your battery backup systems in shape, you’ll be prepared to turn the power back on immediately until stable power comes through.

Industries banking on backup systems.

So, earlier, we’ve mentioned big industries that benefit from having backup systems, they’re actually not the only ones. In short, there are a hundred industries that bank on this power to fuel their day-to-day operations when actual power distributors experience faulty systems.

Here are some of them:

• Hospitals
• Medical centers
• Electronics manufacturers
• Data and call centers
• Banks
• TV stations
• Production-based manufacturers
• Telecommunications and cable companies
• Universities
• Utility companies
• Restaurants
• Shopping centers
• Airlines

Common reasons for power loss.

There are certain circumstances that are completely out of our hands that cause power loss and in return, urge the use of battery backup systems. Although few of these situations are rare, they can still take place at any moment. Moreover, according to Constellation, these are the top 10 reasons for power loss:

• Severe weather
• Natural disasters
• Motor vehicle accidents near power lines
• Equipment failure
• Fallen trees
• Wildlife interference
• Hight energy demand
• Power line damage from construction work
• Damage from the public
• Cyberattacks
• Planned power outages

Main types of battery backup systems.

According to Warren CAT, there are three types of battery backup systems. These are the standard UPS, line-interactive UPS, and double conversion UPS. Usually, bigger battery backup systems include switchgear and a power transformer to provide consistent and reliable electricity. Having this kind of technology can guarantee fewer downtimes in a year, it’s actually possible to have a few to none at all.

Let’s take a closer look at the three types of battery backup systems:

• Standby UPS system – It normally has an inverter, battery, static switch, low-pass filter, and surge suppressor. Basically, the system remains on standby unless there’s a primary power failure.

• Line-interactive UPS system – Contains a battery and inverter that are always connected to the output, and if power fails, a switch changes the electrical flow. Furthermore, the continuous connection provides superior filtering.

• Double-conversion UPS system – Additionally, this device has a backup battery that is charged by the input AC and powers the output inverter for a seamless switch.

The Fluke tool that’s perfect for battery backup maintenance.

The most ideal tool for maintaining battery backup is Fluke Battery Testers. Moreover, as stated in their official site, here are some of Fluke Battery Tester’s best key features:

Battery Voltage

Initially, during the internal resistance test, Fluke Battery Analyzers also measure the voltage of the battery under test.

Discharge Volts

The Discharge mode collects the voltage of each battery multiple times at a user-defined interval during a discharge or load test. Users can calculate the time a battery takes to drop to the cut-off voltage and use this time to determine the capacity loss of the battery.

Ripple Voltage Test

Measures unwanted residual ac component of the rectified voltage in dc charging and inverter circuits. ultimately, it allows users to test ac components in dc charging circuits and find one of the root causes of battery deterioration.

Meter and Sequence Modes

Likewise, you can save and read the readings in a measurement or time sequence. On the other hand, the sequence mode is for maintenance tasks with multiple power systems and battery strings.

Threshold and Warning

Users can configure a maximum of 10 sets of thresholds and receive a Pass/ Warning/ Fail indication after each measurement.

Intercell Strap Resistance Test and Data Management

Measures the resistance of the intercell connection between batteries in a string.

AutoHold

When AutoHold is turned on, a reading is captured when it remains stable for 1 second. The reading is then released when a new measurement starts.

AutoSave

When AutoSave is turned on, measured values are saved to internal memory automatically after an AutoHold reading is captured.

Fluke Battery Management Software

Meanwhile, easily import data from the Product to a PC. The measurement data and battery profile information is stored and archived with the Management Software and can be used for comparison and trend analysis. All measurement data, battery profile, and analysis information can be used to easily generate reports.

Comprehensive logging

All measured values are automatically captured during testing and can be reviewed on the instrument before downloading for on-the-go analysis.

Optimized user interface – Quick, guided setup ensures you’re capturing the right data every time.

Battery life – 7.4 V 3000 mAh lithium-ion battery for more than eight hours continuous operation.

USB port – Meanwhile, for fast data download to supplied data analysis and report management application software.

Highest safety rating in the industry – CAT III 600 V, 1000 V dc max. rated for safe measurements all around the battery power supply equipment.

Get your Fluke tool from a trusted source!

Hey, we made it to the bottom! Are you currently looking for the best-performing test tools in the market to run daily maintenance checks on your UPS? You’re in luck cause Presidium PH is an authorized distributor of Fluke test tools in the Philippines. So, if you want to know more about Fluke tools and their functions, visit our website for more info!